Seira's Bad Day
The alarm clock buzzed noisily. A hand rose slowly from the covers, and smashed violently down on it. Groaning as she sat up in bed, Seira threw back the covers, and yawning, made her way to the bathroom. She hated mornings. It had been almost a year since the coach had recruited her, and she still had trouble getting up. Turning on her radio, she undressed and stepped into the shower. Rock music blared over the sound of the water. Since her father had already left for work, and her mother had moved out following the divorce, there was no one to complain. She let the water sheet over her, nodding her head and dancing to the music. That is, until the song ended, and the DJ came on.
"Hey, Hey, Hey, it's Valentine's Day, February fourteenth! Ladies, what special plans do you have for that man in your life? Call me and let me know. The most romantic lady will receive a big box of chocolates to finish off the evening. The phone lines are open now!"
Seira groaned. She loathed Valentine's Day. She could see it, all those spoiled little rich girls whispering and giggling about some equally spoiled little rich boy they had a crush on and just had to give chocolates to. "Well, I guess I'll just make the best of it, I can't really miss school for something so stupid. Besides, today's Hikaru's birthday. I can't miss the party!" Stepping out of the shower, she dried herself off and headed back to her room. Noticing her reflection in the full-length mirror, she took a good look at herself. She was tall. Mao was the only girl taller than her in school. But unlike Mao, she was slender, with long, muscular, legs. Those legs had won her many races as a sprinter in the past, and since joining the baseball team, had helped her beat out many ground balls. Her arms were well developed, toned, but not bulked up. Her stomach was toned as well, showing the slightest hint of a washboard. Her breasts were full, but not huge, a size most girls would be happy with. Pulling her hair back, she saw an attractive face with bright blue eyes staring back at her. "Not too shabby." She thought, "Maybe someday I will have a guy to give chocolate to." With that she finished getting ready for school.
Kanako Mita sat in English class reviewing her notes. Average height, with a medium build, brown hair, and green eyes behind round glasses, on a face peppered with freckles, she could best be described as plain. When she played shortstop, however, she was quite remarkable. She looked up when Seira sat down next to her.
"Morning Kanako." she said through a yawn.
"Oh, Good morning Seira." She replied. "Today's the big day. Aren't you excited?"
"Not you too Kanako!" Seira said scowling, "I didn't think you were so immature."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kanako asked, giving Seira a dark look. "This could be a life changing event."
"How can giving some pathetic loser a box of chocolates change our lives?"
"Who's a loser, and who said anything about chocolates? Besides, what does it matter if we give her a present anyway? I didn't know you were so selfish!"
"Selfish! I never said I was selfish. I just can't understand why everyone gets so worked up over a stupid greeting card holiday! Wait a minute; did I hear you say her? Is there something you're not telling us?"
Kanako looked confused, and then her eyes opened wide as she realized what Seira was talking about. "Valentines Day! No, I was talking about Amy Watson coming today. We're leaving after first period to pick her up."
"Is that today? Damn, I completely forgot. With Valentine's Day and Hikaru's birthday, it totally slipped my mind."
Kanako smiled, "I can't blame you for that. Everywhere you look ads for this chocolate or that chocolate to show your love."
"How amusing, it's not like either of you will ever have anyone to give chocolates to anyway." A new voice said behind them. They turned around to see Sora Ayanakoji.
"Butt out Sora. This is a private discussion." Seira growled.
"Well, the She-wolf bears her fangs again." Sora said smirking. Short, with tiny eyes framing a bulbous nose on a heavy face pinched in a permanent look of disapproval, she was spiteful and jealous of anyone better looking than her. Arrogant, and full of contempt, she was not an agreeable person. "You know Morimura, even if you found someone you wanted to give chocolates to, he would either run away in terror, or laugh so hard you'd lose your temper and beat him up. By the way, I never gave you permission to use my given name. From now on you will address me as Miss Ayanakoji."
"What would you know about it?" Seira shot back. "Any boy you gave chocolates to would check to make sure your fat ass hadn't eaten them all."
"Face it Morimura, the only way you'll find a man is hanging out in seedy bars and pool halls all night." Sora paused, putting a hand on the side of her face, "But wait, isn't that what you were doing before you came to this school? I guess even drunks and wild boys weren't attracted to you."
"I had plenty of guys hit on me. You couldn't get even the most lecherous old drunk to buy you a drink." Seira said seething.
"So, underage drinking, huh? Tell me, just what did the guy get for buying you a drink?" Sora said winking.
"Just my company. You think I'd spread my legs just to get booze?
"No, I think you'd spread your legs because you're a whore."
"You bitch! I'm still a virgin. The guy that gets that is going to be special. If anyone has to resort to that to get a man, it's going to be you." Seira's face was flushed and her hands were clenched into fists.
"For your information, my mother has already lined up five prospective suitors for my hand when I graduate. How many does your mother have? Oh, that's right. Your mother left, because she didn't want you either."
Kanako rose from her seat, but it was too late. With a wordless cry of anger and anguish, Seira leapt, tackling Sora to the ground. A year of holding in the pain and heartache of her mother leaving, pretending it didn't bother her, playing the tough girl, having to fend off her classmates' animosity, finally came out in a rush. Tears in her eyes, Seira began raining punches on the smaller girl who weakly tried to fend her off. Fortunately, a crowd had gathered, listening to the verbal sparring match, and pulled Seira off before she could do any serious damage.
Sora sat up, blood running from her nose, and spat, "Did you all see that? She was trying to kill me! My mother was right, your nothing but a violent trollop and don't belong in this school!"
The girls looked over at Seira who had sat back down in her seat and was crying deep, wretched sobs. Kanako stood next to her, hugging her, trying to calm her. They didn't know what to make of this tough, hard as nails girl suddenly becoming so vulnerable. Just then the chimes rang signaling the beginning of class, so they all made their way back to their seats. The instructor walked up, looked at Seira who was now crying softly, and Sora's bloody nose, and asked what happed.
"She attacked me for no reason." Sora wailed. "Just look at my nose!"
"That's a lie and you know it." Kanako said glaring at her. "You saw that she was getting upset and just kept pushing her. You disgust me!"
"Seira, Sora, both of you to the principal's office." He said. "Kanako, you go too so he gets the whole story."
"Yes sir." they answered.
Seira and Sora sat on opposite ends of the office waiting room while Kanako talked to her father, the principal of Kisuragi Girls' High School. The door leading to his office opened, and Kanako stepped out. "My father's ready to see you."
The girls went in, and stood there nervously as the principal looked at them over steepled fingers. Mr. Mita was a large man. Only average in height, he made up for it in girth. He had dark wavy hair, with a small neatly trimmed moustache. Behind him stood Mr. Kodanuke, the Vice Principal, and Mr. Mita's yes man. "Sit down," Mr. Mita said motioning to the chairs in front of his desk. "I am not happy about this, girls. This is a serious matter."
"Mr. Mita's absolutely right." Kodanuke added.
"Students at Kisuragi Girls' High do not have fights." Mita continued. "We strive to produce well- mannered, cultured young women, and in the twenty-six years this school has operated, it has never had to discipline students for fighting.
"Never in twenty-six years!" Kodanuke added.
"It's because you let in this…" Sora started, but was silenced by the principal's upturned hand.
"Miss Ayanakoji, be quiet." He said firmly. "I'm not interested in your incriminations. My daughter told me what happened, so I don't need any finger pointing." Looking at Seira, he became grim "Miss Morimura, you have put me in a precarious situation. A little more than eight months ago, I made a personal plea to the Parents Association to let you girls on the baseball team stay. I told them how you all have so much potential. Now, in a moment of irrationality, you may have undermined it all. However, seeing there were external stimuli involved," he shot a dark look at Sora, "I will try my best to placate them, but I make no guarantees."
"I'm really sorry sir." Seira said quietly, "I never meant to make trouble, and now the team might get dragged into it." Her head hung down as she thought of facing her teammates.
"As well you should be," Kodanuke said condescendingly, "resorting to fist fights!"
"That's enough, Kodanuke." Mita said tersely. "I'm sure Seira realizes her error. No sense beating her over the head with it. No pun intended."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Mita, you're right."
"Don't give up yet, Seira." He said smiling slightly, "I'm not going to let Kanako's dreams go down without a fight."
"Thank you Mr. Mita." She said looking up at him.
"Don't be too thankful. I can't look away from this incident. Seira Morimura, as of this moment, you are suspended from school and all on campus club activities for a period of one week."
Sora clapped her hands and bounced happily in her seat. One look from Mr. Mita, however, and the celebration ended.
"Sora Ayanakoji, your verbal abuse of Miss Morimura was in direct violation of this school's code of ethics. Kanako told me this isn't the first time you've tried to goad Seira into a physical confrontation.
"She just said that because they're on the baseball team together." Sora said indignantly.
"Are you calling my daughter a liar, Miss Ayanakoji?" Mr. Mita said coldly. "Your mother led the cause to get the baseball team disbanded, so I wonder if she put you up to this."
Sora shifted uncomfortably in her seat, looking away from Mr. Mita's steely gaze.
"Never mind," he continued, "it doesn't matter, and without proof, I can't really do anything about it. What I can do though, is make an example out of you for any other girl who thinks they can demean another student just because they don't come from an affluent background. Sora Ayanakoji, your punishment will be the same as Miss Morimura's, plus you will assist the maintenance staff in cleaning the bathrooms of this school for a period of one month."
Sora sat there, her face pale, shaking, "You mean I have to do physical labor? The Parent's Association won't stand for it!"
"Then they'll just have to sit down." He replied. "You are excused."
They both rose to leave when Mr. Mita added, "Miss Morimura, one moment please. Mr. Kodanuke, please escort Miss Ayanakoji from the property."
"Yes, Mr. Mita." He said as he walked around the desk and motioned for Sora to precede him out the door.
Seira sat back down and looked at him, expecting a more severe scolding.
"You've had a rough year, haven't you?" he asked with a gentle voice. "A divorce can be bad enough for a young person to deal with, but then you were thrust into this school where you met a lot of hostility. Kanako tells me you get easily upset with some of your teammates as well. This anger inside you is not good Seira. Unchecked, it will consume you, and those around you. I do not want a repeat of this incident, so I think preventive measures are necessary. I want you to go see an associate of mine. He's a therapist that deals in anger management." Opening the top drawer of his desk, he took out a business card and handed it to her. "He's an old friend, so don't worry about having to pay. If you're agreeable, I'll set up an appointment."
"Go to a shrink? Do you really think he can help?" Seira took the card, and looked at it dubiously. "I mean I don't like feeling this way, and I wasn't like this before my folks started fighting. I can't count the times I've over-reacted to some stupid thing Yoko said and ended up either choking her or ready to punch her lights out. If I can do that to a friend…" She trailed off lost in thought, then her eyes focused and met the principal's, "Ok Mr. Mita, make that appointment, lets see if he can figure this crazy girl out."
Seira stood to leave the office, and saw Coach Kido standing in the doorway.
"I just heard from Kanako," he said walking up to her, "How're you doing Morimura?
"Wild as ever, and suspended for a week, including the baseball team." she said, handing him the doctors business card. "Plus, he gave me a special assignment."
He took the card, and looking at it said, "Dr Kenji Suzuki. He's sending you to a therapist? You know it might do you some good." He held up his hands defensively when she scowled at him. "You know you have some issues to resolve over your parents. You told me that when I first met you. Maybe he can help you find a little peace of mind."
Seira didn't say anything, and the silence grew uncomfortable.
Clearing his throat, Kido continued, "Mr. Mita, now that Seira doesn't have classes to go to. Can she come with us to pick up the new girl, Amy?"
"But I thought I couldn't do anything with the baseball team?" she questioned. "I don't want to make any more trouble."
"The season hasn't officially started yet, so technically, this isn't a team outing, just some students going to meet a prospective student." Kido reasoned. "You don't mind if those students take a friend along, do you?"
"If it takes place off of school property, I have no problem." Mita replied.
"You really are a devious old sleaseball aren't you?" she said grinning at the coach.
"Hey, it's part of my charm. Now let's go, the others will be waiting at the locker room soon."
They headed out, only stopping long enough to get Seira's things.
At the locker room, seated at the large table, her teammates offered their sympathies, even Izumi.
"That Ayanakoji is a snake. Even in junior high, she liked to lord over people. Still, I'm not surprised with how you handled it. You're astonishingly easy to get a violent reaction from."
"Izumi!" Ryo scolded, "You should be supporting her, not criticizing her."
"I only told the truth Hayakawa, and she knows it."
"She's right Ryo," Seira said, looking down, "I let my temper get me into trouble. Ayanakoji knew that, and pushed my buttons."
"But still," Kanako argued, "calling you a whore, and that comment about your mom was way out of line."
Mao, who had been listening silently up to now, added, "I think I know how you feel Seira. When I was in the judo club, the girls picked on me mercilessly. I didn't have the courage to fight back. But now, with the confidence you all have given me, I could. So don't be ashamed for standing up for yourself, ok?"
"Mao's right." Ryo added. "If you don't stand up for yourself, who will? Believe in yourself, Seira Morimura!"
"Thanks guys," Seira said looking around the table at her teammates, "I'm glad I have you for friends." Looking at the clock, she added, "What time are we supposed to pick up Amy?"
"Her plane is due at one o'clock," Kanako said. "We should be leaving as soon as the coach gets back with the rental van."
As if on cue, Kido walked through the door with his hands in his pockets and said, "Let's move out ladies, traffic is bad and I don't want to be late"
"Right coach" they said together as they stood up and filed out the door, one step closer on the road to their dream.
The airport was crowded, as people were coming and going either for business, or to get away from business. The girls from the baseball team had watched this activity with interest as they waited for Amy Watson's plane to arrive. A young man would walk up to talk to them, and then the coach would step in and encourage him to move on. This ongoing dance entertained the girls, at least for the first half hour. Now they were bored.
"Have they posted an arrival time yet?" Ryo asked the coach when he came back from the bathroom.
"They said it should be arriving any time now." Kido answered.
"That's what they said half a hour ago." Said Izumi; rereading the magazine she'd bought for the third time.
"I should have brought my homework." Kanako lamented, slouching in her chair.
"If I knew it was going to be this boring, I would have just gone home. At least I'd be bored in a comfortable chair." Seira grumbled squirming.
"We've been sitting so long; I think my butt's fallen asleep." Mao whined.
"Enough with the complaining," Kido said sitting down next to Ryo. "Think of poor Amy, having to sit for fourteen hours flying from Chicago to Tokyo."
"Have they said why the plane's delayed?" asked Ryo.
"They probably encountered bad weather." Izumi suggested. "They get a lot of snow around Chicago."
"Look," Kido said, leaning back and closing his eyes, "they'll announce when the flight's arriving, so just relax and be patient."
The girls fell silent. They had claimed a section of chairs by a bank of windows, and hung a large banner where it could be seen by disembarking passengers. Ryo noticed the sun had moved and was now beating down on them. She began to feel drowsy as the warmth caressed her. Looking around, she noticed the coach, Kanako, Seira, and Mao had already fallen asleep. Izumi was nodding, and then startling awake trying to read her magazine.
'What are they doing?' Ryo thought. 'I can't fall asleep. Someone has to wake the others when Amy's plane lands. It's my responsibility as captain.' She tried her hardest, really she did, but the warmth of the sun, the murmur of the crowd, and the fatigue of sitting for an hour and a half, overwhelmed her sense of duty and she soon joined her teammates in slumber.
She was having a dream about Takasugi. They were sitting on a grassy bank by the river, and he was just leaning over to kiss her, when she was gently shaken awake.
"…ss Hayakawa… Miss Hayakawa." An unfamiliar voice was saying.
Stirring, Ryo looked through bleary eyes to see the face of Amy Watson. When Amy stepped back, Ryo was amazed. She was taller than Mao, nearly 180 centimeters. Her light brown hair was in a ponytail that fell to the middle of her back, and her brown eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Miss Watson! Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry we all fell asleep. Forgive our rudeness!" She said standing up quickly, not realizing she had hooked her foot in the leg of the chair in her sleep. With a great clatter, she fell on her face at Amy's feet.
"Oh my," Amy said bending down, extracting the chair from around Ryo's ankle, "Are you alright, Miss Hayakawa?"
"Oww," Ryo groaned, "my ankle." Getting up, she winced when she put her weight on that foot. A hand supported her elbow. Looking over she saw Amy watching her with concern.
"Why don't you sit back down?" Amy said, guiding her back to the chair. "Looks like you twisted it pretty good."
"Thank you," Ryo said, blushing, and then saying under her breath, "God, what a klutz I am."
"It's not your fault, Miss Hayakawa," Amy confided, "It's my fault for startling you awake. You know, you looked so cute sleeping there; I really hated to wake you. You must have been having a great dream to make your nipples stick out like that. By the way, who's Takasugi?
If Ryo could have blushed any deeper, blood vessels would have burst. Covering her chest with her arms, she said, "Let's just forget about all that, and let me say, welcome to Japan. It's nice to meet you Miss Watson; I hope we'll be friends." She bowed as best as she could while sitting down.
Amy returned the bow, saying, "I hope we can be friends as well, and that I will be a benefit to the team."
Ryo smiled, and then turning to the others, shouted, "All right you guys, wake up already. She's here!"
The rest of the team awoke, and swarmed around Amy.
"Welcome to Japan, Miss Watson; I'm Coach Kido."
"I'm Izumi Himuro; it's nice to meet you." She said bowing slightly.
"It's really nice to meet you; I'm Mao Daidoji, the catcher."
"I'm Seira, I play second, put 'er there." She said shaking Amy's hand.
"I'm Kanako Mita, the shortstop, I'm glad you arrived safely."
"Thank you. I'm sorry we were so late; we had bad weather in Chicago, and couldn't take off. I hope this didn't affect your plans too badly Mr. Kido."
"We're doing fine. Ms. Himuro scheduled things with this in mind. By the way, who did you mean by 'we'?"
"Oh, didn't Ms. Himuro tell you? My brother came along as well. My mom wouldn't let me travel alone, and she couldn't get away from work, so my big brother volunteered to come with me. There he comes with our bags now."
They turned toward where she was pointing, and as a group gasped. Walking towards them was a young man that dwarfed the skycap pushing their bags. Two meters tall, and weighing at least 120 kilos, he waved when he caught sight of his sister.
'My God,' thought Seira, 'that guy's huge, but kind of cute though.'
"Look at the size of him." Said Kanako, "I bet her could pick one of us up in each arm!"
"Don't let his size intimidate you." Amy said grinning. "Corey's a big teddy bear."
"Hey Amy," Corey said in English, walking up to the group. He had close cut dark red hair with hazel eyes. "Can you believe it? We didn't lose any luggage this time."
"That's great. Corey. But speak Japanese, your being rude." She said scowling. Motioning to the group she added, "These are some of my future teammates, Miss Hayakawa, Miss Himuro, Miss Mita, Miss Daidoji, and Miss Morimura."
Corey bowed deeply saying, "How do you do? My name is Corey Watson, I'm so very sorry; I was extremely rude just then. We conversed in English for the whole trip, and I forgot. Please forgive me."
"That's completely understandable son. If these girls were in America, they'd do the same thing. I'm Coach Kido, welcome to Japan."
"Thank you sir, I hope you'll take good care of my sister." He said bowing again.
"I know this may be rude." Kanako said timidly, "but you two don't look that much like siblings."
Amy smiled reassuringly, "That's alright; people in the States ask the same question. Corey's actually my half brother. We have different mothers."
"I must say," Izumi interrupted, "for Americans, you two have a good grasp on Japanese etiquette, unlike some of the natives." She shot a glance at Seira.
"Well excuse me if I don't get all hung up on formalities princess, where I come from, none of that crap matters!" Seira said hotly.
"Stop it, now!" Kido said. "You're embarrassing the team.
"Yes sir, I'm sorry, old habits die hard." Izumi answered.
"This day just keeps getting worse." Seira grumbled.
"Well, we're burning daylight, let's get going." Kido said, motioning towards the exit.
The highway was crowded, barely moving. As the team slowly made their way, they could see a compact car broken down, forcing traffic to work around it. The old man standing next to it looked distraught.
"Mr. Kido," Corey said as they approached the car, "can we stop? I'd like to see if I could help."
"Sure, we're already late, what's a couple more minutes." Kido answered.
Pulling over behind the car, Corey scrambled out. "Excuse me, can I help?"
The owner cried out in surprise, when he saw the large young man walking toward him, then said, "Thanks, I lost a rear wheel bearing. I was heading to the mechanic to get it fixed, but it went out before I could get there."
"Well, let's get you off the highway." Corey offered. "You get in and steer."
"But the wheel's frozen, it won't turn." The man said puzzled.
"Please, just do it, ok?"
The man shrugged and got in. He put the car in neutral, and shouted, "Ok, it's out of gear."
Corey walked back to the van. "Amy, Miss Daidoji, could you give me some help."
The girls all piled out of the van to watch as Corey, Mao, and Amy walked to the back of the car.
"Hold it," Seira said, "Amy shouldn't be doing this. If she hurts her shoulder she's done. I'll help, I mean it'll be a lot easier to find a second baseman, besides I'm a sprinter, I got stronger legs."
"Sure," Corey said smiling, "thanks."
Seira blushed lightly, and then said gruffly, "It's no big deal. Let's just get it over with. I'm glad I changed into my running suit. I can't imagine doing this in my school uniform's short skirt."
"I'm sure the crowd would have appreciated it." Corey said pointing to the traffic. Drivers were gawking, watching events unfold.
"Great, just what we need, an audience." Seira muttered. Then she shouted at the cars, "Hey! This ain't a sideshow; mind your own damn business!"
"How eloquently put." Izumi said putting her head in her hand and shaking it. "It makes you wonder if that girl has any redeeming qualities at all."
"You got a problem with how I handle crowd control princess? Then bring it on. You've been rude and obnoxious to me from the day we met, and I've had it. Let's give them a real show." Seira said pushing up the sleeves of her jacket and taking a step forward. A strong hand grabbed her arm and stopped her. Turning violently, she saw it was Corey.
"Seira, how is getting into a fight going to help that old man?" he asked. Then he said in a low voice, "You're acting like a spoiled, petulant little child. Grow up!"
"Who are you to tell me what to do?" She asked incredulously. "You think just because your this big tough guy, I'll fall over and shake in fear? I've taken on a lot rougher guys than you. So kiss my ass!" Saying this she hauled her arm back and threw a punch. Corey didn't move, and the punch landed square on the side of his face. Seira, realizing what she had just done, recoiled in horror. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. Are you all right?"
"Are you done now?" Corey asked coldly. "Then let's finish helping this gentleman."
Seira said nothing as she walked towards the car. As the three got in position, Corey directed their efforts. "We'll take it slow. Tuck you butt in so your back is as straight as possible. Spread your feet to give yourself a good base, and lift using your legs. Before we begin, take a couple of deep breaths to oxygenate your blood. Alright, Amy, you count out loud, we'll lift on three."
They got in position, and squatting, grabbed hold of the bumper. Amy counted out, and with a grunt of effort, they lifted the back end of the car off the ground and proceeded to walk in slow, shuffling steps until they reached the shoulder. They set it down, and Corey walked to the driver's door. "That should do until you can call for a tow. We have to get going, so take care."
The man could only nod dumbly as he watched them climb back into the van, and drive away.
As they drove, Ryo said excitedly, "That was incredible! You guys picked that car up like it was nothing!"
"Oh, it wasn't that heavy. That car doesn't weigh more than 500 kilos, and most of the weights up front. We only lifted 175 kilos at most." Corey said modestly. "Thanks again you two, I couldn't have done it by myself."
"Don't sell yourself short Corey," Kido added, "I was watching, you're so tall, the girls had to bend their arms. You were carrying most of the weight. Not every guy could do that, especially high school age."
"How did you get so strong?" Kanako asked wide-eyed.
"I guess working the farm, and I have done some weight training for football."
"Is football as rough a sport as I heard?" Mao asked. "I've seen video of it and it looks brutal."
"It can be." Corey answered. "I play on the line, so I usually don't get guys coming at me very hard. Wide receiver is the position that I think has the most potential to get hurt. Running full speed to catch the ball, and WHAM!" he slapped his hands together for emphasis, "a defender coming full speed to stop you, runs you over."
"What a truly gauche sounding sport." Izumi sneered, "Just what you would expect from the country that gave us fast food."
"Miss Himuro, do you have a problem with me coming here to play?" asked Amy. "It seems you don't hold America in too high of regard."
"I don't know you well enough to have a problem with you personally." Izumi said looking intensely at Amy. "I just don't particularly like some of the cultural influences America has had on Japan."
"Admit it Izumi, there's not much you do like." Seira offered. "Myself, I like the effect Big Macs and denim have had on this country. Traditional Japan is way to stuffy for me."
"Then maybe you should leave." Izumi shot back, glaring.
"Stop it you two." Ryo said angrily. "You're teammates. Start acting like it."
"Ryo's right." Kanako added. "You're making a poor example of the team, and your being rude to our guests. You should apologize."
"You're right." Seira said contritely. "Amy, Corey, I'm sorry for my behavior. I'm having a really bad day, and your getting sucked in to it"
Izumi only stared out the window, saying nothing.
"I'm sorry we make you uncomfortable Miss Himuro." Amy said softly. "When I heard of an all girls team trying to win a national championship against boys, I knew I had to be part of it. This is a chance to make history, how often does that come in a person's life. Your dream has become my dream as well, and I am going to give this team everything I have. I watched those tapes my grandfather made over and over. I studied your faces and how you played together until I felt like I knew you all. I would like to be your friend, but if I can't, at least give me the chance to prove that not all Americans are arrogant and unrefined."
Izumi looked at her with wide eyes before her face softened and she said, "You're right. If anyone has been arrogant and unrefined, it's been me. I'm sorry. I'm not being a very good host. Please call me Izumi."
"I'd like that." Amy said with misty eyes. "I think I'm going to like it here."
Corey, who had been listening quietly, added. "Just watch yourself around that red-headed she devil. She can throw quite a punch."
"I deserved that." Seira said sadly. Then with a voice full of sarcasm she said "Hey that right. I already made history today. I'm the first student ever to be suspended for fighting from Kisuragi Girls' High. Isn't that great?"
"You mean I'm not the first one you punched today? When did this happen, before first bell?" Corey said trying to sound glib, but when the girls didn't answer, he became incredulous. "No way! You mean you couldn't make it to your first class before you got into a fight? Girl, you are out of control!"
"Don't you think I know that?" Seira shot back, her eyes tearing up. "If I don't get my act together, I'll get expelled. I'll lose the first real friends I've had in a long time."
"So what're you going to do? How can I help?" he asked; his voice full of concern.
"You mean it?" Seira asked, wiping her eyes and looking at him. "You'd help after I acted like such an ass to you?"
"I wouldn't be much of a man if I turned my back on someone who needed me." He said resolutely, meeting her gaze.
The rest of the girls exchanged glances, but remained silent.
"Thanks Corey, that means a lot to me." She said with a slight smile.
"Seira," Izumi said contritely, looking down at her lap "I want to apologize too. When you came to this school, all I could see was this wild street hood that was going to cause trouble. I thought I was finally vindicated when you got into that fight this morning. I never really thought of you needing anything or anyone, before now. I didn't want to see how much you were hurting inside, maybe because I've felt the same way and suffered in silence." She looked up, and meeting Seira's gaze, said, "I'm sorry for treating you so coldly. Can you forgive me?"
"Izumi…" Seira said, then sat with her jaw gaping. The moment past, she continued, "Of course. Let's both try to leave this crap behind and start over."
"Damn, I feel like I'm in a chick flick." Corey said leaning his head back on the seat. "Anyone got some popcorn?"
The tension broken, the girls spent the rest of the trip chatting happily, discussing their future.
The van pulled up to the school only to find it empty. It was nearly six o'clock, as they were driving up to the locker room. Getting out, they found a note saying the tryout would be rescheduled."
"Well, I guess we missed the party." Kido said looking back at the group.
"The party!" the girls exclaimed together.
"Coach," Ryo said excitedly, "we need you to drive us to my mom's restaurant. We're having Hikaru's birthday party there. We're late!"
"All right," Kido said striding towards the van, "mount up and let's go."
"Are you two hungry?" Mao asked Amy and Corey. "You're in for a treat. Ryo's mom makes the best oden."
"That's fish stew isn't it?" Corey asked, "Sounds good if we're not intruding on your party."
"Don't be silly," Ryo said waving her hand at them. "My mom would be mad if I didn't bring you. Besides, you two have to meet the rest of the team."
"Then it's decided." Seira said linking elbows with Amy and Corey, and dragging them towards the van. "Let's go, I'm starving."